This is the long-range Storm Shadow missiles, which the United Kingdom has delivered to Ukraine, capable of crushing the Russian rear

2023-05-11 14:40:20

As various Western countries decide whether or not to send fighter jets to Ukraine beyond the old Soviet-era models that some former Eastern Bloc countries still retained, the UK has decided to go a step further in its support for the troops. of Kyiv and has commanded Storm Shadow air-to-surface cruise missiles, the same one used by the Royal Air Force, which has a range of more than 500 kilometers.

The Storm Shadow is perfect as it is easily adaptable to any type of aircraft, so it could be launched from Soviet-made Ukrainian aircraft, whether it be Su-24 bombers or MiG-29 or Su-27 fighters.

the cruise missile Storm Shadow belongs to a family of missiles that also includes the German Taurus (which the Spanish Air Force has), the French Scalp and an export missile for customers in the Middle East called the Black Shaheen.. The projectile has armed Tornado fighter jets and Mirage 2000, Rafale and Eurofighter fighters in the past and according to experts it would be ideal for targeting Russian facilities where fuel and ammunition are stored before dispatching to front line units.

This shipment has been confirmed by Defense Secretary Ben Wallace.

Storm Shadow air-launched cruise missiles can travel at nearly 1,000 kilometers per hour and hit targets as far as 560 kilometers away, which would allow Ukrainian aircraft to easily hit targets in the rear of invaded territories or, even within Russia’s own borders. However, according to the United Kingdom, there is a commitment by Ukraine not to use these missiles against Russian territory, a step that Western countries do not want to take so as not to further anger Putin.

“The donation of these weapons systems gives Ukraine the best chance to defend itself against Russia’s continued brutality,” Wallace said.adding that “these systems are not even in the same league as the Russian AS-24 killjoy hypersonic missile” or “even the Kalibr cruise missile with a range of more than 2,000 kilometers,” Wallace said.

US military officials described the missile as “a true game changer from a range perspective.”

Putin’s spokesman, for his part, has promised an “adequate response” after learning of the shipment of these weapons.

They are designed to hit well-defended static targets such as facilities, bunkers, and bridges and function as a dive bomber. It cruises low above the ground before shooting high into the sky and then dropping on its target from a near vertical angle.

Ukraine has been asking for long-range missiles for months, but support from Britain and other allies like the United States has previously been limited to shorter-range weapons. kyiv has been training a new contingent of forces and stockpiling Western-supplied ammunition and equipment that analysts say will be key to retaking territory captured by Russia.

“With (what we have) we can go ahead and be successful. But we would lose a lot of people. I think that’s unacceptable,” Zelensky said. “So we have to wait. We still need a little more time.”